"Truly was there something high, generous, and noble in the native composition of our poor old Hepzibah! Or else, - and it was quite as probably the case, - she had been enriched by poverty, developed by sorrow, elevated by the strong and solitary affection of her life, and thus endowed with heroism, which never could have characterized her in what are called happier circumstances." (s. 141)

"The sound of footsteps was not harsh, bold, decided, and intrusive, as the gait of strangers woud naturally be, making authoritative entrance into a dwelling where they knew themselves unwelcome. It was feeble, as of persons either weak or weary; there was the mingled murmur of two voices, familiar to both the listeners." (s. 320)